Battery

ABSTRACT

A battery includes an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The solid electrolyte layer has a first region containing a first solid electrolyte material and a second region containing a second solid electrolyte material. The first region is within a region where the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other. With respect to the first region, the second region is positioned on an outer peripheral side of the region where the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other, and is in contact with the first region. A second density, which is the density of the second solid electrolyte material in the second region, is higher than a first density, which is the density of the first solid electrolyte material in the first region.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a battery.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent No. 4274256 discloses a power storage apparatus in whichthe density of a solid electrolyte in an electrode layer containing anactive material differs depending on the position in the electrodelayer.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-192265discloses an all-solid secondary battery equipped with a solidelectrolyte layer.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment provides a battery having anexcellent heat dissipating property.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a batterythat includes an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, which is acounter electrode for the electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layerbetween the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The solidelectrolyte layer has a first region containing a first solidelectrolyte material and a second region containing a second solidelectrolyte material. The first region is positioned within a regionwhere the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer face eachother. With respect to the first region, the second region is positionedon an outer peripheral side of the region where the electrode layer andthe counter electrode layer face each other, and the second region is incontact with the first region. A second density is higher than a firstdensity, where the first density is a density of the first solidelectrolyte material in the first region and the second density is adensity of the second solid electrolyte material in the second region.

According to this disclosure, a battery with an excellent heatdissipating property is obtained.

Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments willbecome apparent from the specification and drawings. The benefits and/oradvantages may be individually obtained by the various embodiments andfeatures of the specification and drawings, which need not all beprovided in order to obtain one or more of such benefits and/oradvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to asecond embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to athird embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to afourth embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to afifth embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to asixth embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to thesixth embodiment;

FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to aseventh embodiment; and

FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery according to theseventh embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.

All of the embodiments described below are merely exemplary specificexamples. The numbers, shapes, materials, constituent elements,positions where the constituent elements are arranged, form ofconnection, etc., described in the embodiments below are merelyexemplary and are not meant to limit the present disclosure. Moreover,among the constituent elements in the embodiments described below, thosethat are not described in the independent claims indicating the broadestconcepts are described as optional constituent elements.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 1000 according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 1(a) is an x-z diagram (1A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 1000 according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 1(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 1000 according to the firstembodiment.

The battery 1000 of the first embodiment includes an electrode layer100, a counter electrode layer 200, and a solid electrolyte layer 300.

The counter electrode layer 200 is a layer that serves as the counterelectrode for the electrode layer 100.

The solid electrolyte layer 300 is positioned between the electrodelayer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200.

The solid electrolyte layer 300 has a first region 310 and a secondregion 320.

The first region 310 is a region that contains a first solid electrolytematerial.

The first region 310 is positioned within the region where the electrodelayer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other.

The second region 320 is a region that contains a second solidelectrolyte material.

With respect to the first region 310, the second region 320 ispositioned on the outer peripheral side of the region where theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other.The second region 320 is in contact with the first region 310.

The second density is higher than the first density.

Here, the first density is the density of the first solid electrolytematerial in the first region 310.

The second density is the density of the second solid electrolytematerial in the second region 320.

According to this structure, a battery with an excellent heatdissipating property, excellent strength, and excellent environmentalresistance can be obtained.

In other words, according to this structure, the density of the solidelectrolyte material in the outer rim portion of the solid electrolytelayer 300 can be increased. As a result, the thermal conductivity of theouter rim portion (in other words, the second region 320) of the solidelectrolyte layer 300 can be adjusted to be higher than the thermalconductivity of the center portion (in other words, the first region310) of the solid electrolyte layer 300. Thus, the heat from the centerportion of the solid electrolyte layer 300, which is the portion likelyto bear a high temperature during operation of the battery, is easilytransferred (dissipated) to the outer rim portion of the solidelectrolyte layer 300. Furthermore, since the first region 310 and thesecond region 320 are both regions that contain solid electrolytematerials (in other words, metal ion-conducting materials), matching andadhesion at the interface where the first region 310 and the secondregion 320 contact each other can be improved. That is to say, throughthe bonded interface between the first region 310 and the second region320, metal ions are conducted by the solid electrolyte materials and, atthe same time, the exothermic components are passed on so as to enableheat transfer from the first region 310 to the second region 320. Due tothese phenomena, the heat generated in the center portion of the battery(for example, heat generated in the first region 310, the electrodelayer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200) can be more easilydissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (and theoutside of the battery) through the outer rim portion (in other words,the second region 320) of the solid electrolyte layer 300 where thesolid electrolyte material density is high (in other words, the thermalconductivity is high). As a result, the non-uniformity in temperature(temperature variation) in the solid electrolyte layer 300 containingthe solid electrolyte material (for example, an inorganic solidelectrolyte), which has no flowability, can be reduced. Thus, forexample, even when the battery has a large area, the homogeneousness ofthe temperature inside the battery can be maintained. Thus, variation inproperties inside the battery depending on the position caused by thetemperature variation can be suppressed. As a result, deterioration ofthe battery performance can be suppressed. Thus, for example, theservice life of the battery can be extended.

According to the above-described structure, since the solid electrolytelayer 300 positioned between the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 has the heat-dissipating function described above,heat generated from both the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 can be transferred to the outer rim portion of thebattery through one battery component, which is the solid electrolytelayer 300. Furthermore, since the solid electrolyte layer 300 ispositioned in the center portion (that is, the portion between theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200) inside thebattery, heat generated in the center portion of the battery can be moreeasily transferred to the outer rim portion of the battery compared tothe structure in which a heat-dissipating member is installed on theelectrode layer 100 (or counter electrode layer 200) side only.

According to the above-described structure, the strength of the secondregion 320 can be increased by increasing the solid electrolyte materialdensity in the second region 320. In this manner, at least part of theouter rim of the first region 310 can be covered with the second region320 having a higher strength. Thus, breaking of the first region 310having a relatively low strength (for example, collapse of the firstsolid electrolyte material) can be suppressed by the second region 320.Thus, the strength of the battery can be improved.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe first region 310 and the outside of the battery (for example,outside air). As a result, for example, the outside air (for example,atmospheric air, humid air, or the like) coming into the first region310 can be blocked by the second region 320. Thus, the environmentalresistance of the battery can be improved.

The electrode layer 100 may contain an electrode active material.

The counter electrode layer 200 may contain a counter electrode activematerial.

Here, the density of the electrode active material in the first region310 (for example, when the electrode active material is granular, thepacking density of the particles of the electrode active material) andthe density of the counter electrode active material (for example, whenthe counter electrode active material is granular, the packing densityof the particles of the counter electrode active material) may both belower than the first density.

The density of the electrode active material and the density of thecounter electrode active material in the second region 320 may both belower than the second density.

According to the above-described structure, the first region 310 and thesecond region 320 can be placed in a portion where the densities of theelectrode active material and the counter electrode active material arelow (in other words, the portion that is remote from both the electrodelayer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 and that lies in a portioncloser to the center in the solid electrolyte layer 300). That is, thefirst region 310 and the second region 320 having high heat dissipatingproperties can be placed in a portion closer to the center inside thebattery. As a result, heat generated in the center portion of thebattery can be more easily transferred to the outer rim portion of thebattery compared to the structure in which a heat-dissipating member isinstalled only in a portion closer to the electrode layer 100 (a portioncloser to the counter electrode layer 200).

The first region 310 and the second region 320 may each be a region notcontaining an electrode active material or a counter electrode activematerial.

According to the above-described structure, the first region 310 and thesecond region 320 can be placed in a portion where the electrode activematerial and the counter electrode active material are not contained (inother words, the portion that is remote from both the electrode layer100 and the counter electrode layer 200 and that lies in a portioncloser to the center in the solid electrolyte layer 300). That is, thefirst region 310 and the second region 320 having high heat dissipatingproperties can be placed in a portion closer to the center inside thebattery. As a result, heat generated in the center portion of thebattery can be more easily transferred to the outer rim portion of thebattery compared to the structure in which a heat-dissipating member isinstalled only in a portion closer to the electrode layer 100 (a portioncloser to the counter electrode layer 200).

The range in which the electrode layer 100 is formed may have the samesize as or a different size from the range in which the counterelectrode layer 200 is formed. In other words, the electrode layer 100and the counter electrode layer 200 may have the same shape or differentshapes.

The electrode layer 100 may be a positive electrode layer. In this case,the electrode active material is a positive electrode active material.The counter electrode layer 200 is a negative electrode layer. Thecounter electrode active material is a negative electrode activematerial.

Alternatively, the electrode layer 100 may be a negative electrodelayer. In this case, the electrode active material is a negativeelectrode active material. The counter electrode layer 200 is a positiveelectrode layer. The counter electrode active material is a positiveelectrode active material.

The positive electrode layer may be a layer mainly composed of apositive electrode material (for example, a positive electrode activematerial). Examples of the positive electrode active material containedin the positive electrode layer include various materials that canintercalate and deintercalate metal ions (for example, Li ions and Mgions). Known positive electrode active materials can be used as thematerial for the positive electrode active material. Examples of thepositive electrode active material that can be used include layer oxidessuch as lithium-nickel complex oxides (LiNi_(x)M_(1-x)O₂ (where Mrepresents at least one element selected from Co, Al, Mn, V, Cr, Mg, Ca,Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, and W, and x is any desired natural number)), lithiumcobaltate (LiCoO₂), lithium nickelate (LiNiO₂), and lithium manganate(LiMn₂O₄); and transition metal oxides that contain lithium ions, suchas lithium iron phosphate having an olivine structure (LiFePO₄) andlithium manganate having a spinel structure (LiMn₂O₄, Li₂MnO₃, andLiMO₂). In addition, sulfur (S) and sulfides such as lithium sulfide(Li₂S) can be used. Positive electrode active material particles coatedwith (or doped with) lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) or the like can also beused as the positive electrode active material.

The positive electrode layer may be a mixture layer composed of apositive electrode active material and other additive materials.Examples of the additive materials for the positive electrode layerinclude solid electrolytes (for example, an inorganic solidelectrolyte), conductive aids (for example, acetylene black), andbonding binders (for example, polyethylene oxide and polyvinylidenefluoride). Mixing a particular percentage of a solid electrolyte to apositive electrode layer can improve the ion conductivity of thepositive electrode layer.

The thickness of the positive electrode layer may be, for example, 5 to300 μm.

The negative electrode layer may be a layer mainly composed of anegative electrode material (for example, a negative electrode activematerial). Examples of the negative electrode active material containedin the negative electrode layer include various materials that canintercalate and deintercalate metal ions (for example, Li ions and Mgions). Known negative electrode active materials can be used as thematerial for the negative electrode active material. Examples of thenegative electrode active material that can be used include carbonmaterials (for example, natural graphite, artificial graphite, graphitecarbon fibers, and resin baked carbon), and alloy-based material thatcan be combined with solid electrolytes. Examples of the alloy-basedmaterials that can be used include lithium alloys (LiAl, LiZn, Li₃Bi,Li₃Cd, Li₃Sb, Li₄Si, Li_(4.4)Pb, Li_(4.4)Sn, Li_(0.17)C, and LiC₆),lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂), and oxides of metals (Zn etc.).

The negative electrode layer may be a mixture layer composed of anegative electrode active material and other additive materials.Examples of the additive materials for the negative electrode layerinclude solid electrolytes (for example, an inorganic solidelectrolyte), conductive aids (for example, acetylene black), andbonding binders (for example, polyethylene oxide and polyvinylidenefluoride). Mixing a particular percentage of a solid electrolyte to anegative electrode layer can improve the ion conductivity of thenegative electrode layer.

The thickness of the negative electrode layer is, for example, 5 to 300μm.

Commonly known solid electrolytes for batteries (such as solidelectrolytes that conduct metal ions (for example, Li ions, Mg ions,etc.)) can be used as the first solid electrolyte material and thesecond solid electrolyte material. Commonly known solid electrolytes(for example, inorganic solid electrolytes) can be used as the solidelectrolyte. Examples of the inorganic solid electrolytes that can beused include sulfide solid electrolytes and oxide solid electrolytes.Examples of the solid electrolytes that can be used includelithium-containing sulfides (for example, those based on Li₂S—P₂S5,Li₂S—SiS₂, Li₂S—B₂S₃, Li₂S—GeS₂, Li₂S—SiS₂—LiI, Li₂S—SiS₂—Li₃PO₄,Li₂S—Ge₂S₂, Li₂S—GeS₂—P₂S₅, and Li₂S—GeS₂—ZnS). Other examples of thesolid electrolytes that can be used include lithium-containing metaloxides (for example, Li₂—SiO₂ and Li₂—SiO₂—P₂O₅), lithium-containingmetal nitrides (for example Li_(x)P_(y)O_(1-z)N₂ (where x, y, and z eachrepresent any desired natural number)), lithium phosphate (Li₃PO₄), andlithium-containing transition metal oxides (for example, lithiumtitanium oxide). These materials may be used alone or in combination asthe solid electrolyte.

The solid electrolyte layer 300 (for example, at least one (for example,all) of the first region 310, the second region 320, and a third region330) can contain, in addition to the solid electrolyte material, abonding binder (for example, polyethylene oxide or polyethylene oxide).

The thickness of the solid electrolyte layer 300 may be, for example, 5to 150 μm.

The first solid electrolyte material and the second solid electrolytematerial may be materials different from each other. In this manner, forexample, while a solid electrolyte material having a high heatdissipating property is used as the second solid electrolyte material, asolid electrolyte material having high metal ion conductivity can beused as the first solid electrolyte material.

Alternatively, the first solid electrolyte material and the second solidelectrolyte material may the same material.

According to the above-described structure, the same solid electrolytematerial can be contained in the first region 310 and the second region320. As a result, the physical property values (for example, a thermalexpansion coefficient) of the first region 310 and the second region 320can be adjusted to be close to each other. Thus, the matching andadhesion at the interface where the first region 310 and the secondregion 320 contact each other can be further improved. In other words,occurrence of structural defects that inhibit heat transfer between thefirst region 310 and the second region 320 can be further suppressed. Asa result, the heat generated in the center portion of the battery (forexample, heat generated in the first region 310, the electrode layer100, or the counter electrode layer 200) can be more easily dissipatedto the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside ofthe battery) through the second region 320. Furthermore, for example,when the first region 310 and the second region 320 are composed of thesame material, the battery production process (for example, mixing ofthe mixture and application of the mixture, etc.) can be furthersimplified.

The first solid electrolyte material may be constituted by particles. Insuch a case, the first region 310 is a region that contains particles ofthe first solid electrolyte material. Here, the first density is thedensity of the particles of the first solid electrolyte material in thefirst region 310 (in other words, the packing density).

The second solid electrolyte material may be constituted by particles.In such a case, the second region 320 is a region that containsparticles of the second solid electrolyte material. Here, the seconddensity is the density of the particles of the second solid electrolytematerial in the second region 320 (in other words, the packing density).

The first region 310 may be a region in contact with at least one of theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the first region 310 may be a region in contactwith both of the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second region 320 may be positioned onlywithin the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 face each other.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 1100 according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 2(a) is an x-z diagram (2A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 1100 according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 2(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 1100 according to the firstembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second region 320 may be positioned withinthe region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200 face each other and also outside the region where the electrodelayer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other. In thismanner, the second region 320 can be placed to be more remote from thecenter portion of the battery. Thus, the heat dissipating property bythe second region 320 can be further enhanced.

The second region 320 may be a region in contact with at least one ofthe electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1 or 2, the second region 320 may be aregion in contact with both of the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 1200 according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 3(a) is an x-z diagram (3A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 1200 according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 3(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 1200 according to the firstembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second region 320 may be positioned onlyoutside the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 face each other. In this manner, the second region320 can be placed to be more remote from the center portion of thebattery. Thus, the heat dissipating property by the second region 320can be further enhanced. Furthermore, the area of the first region 310positioned within the region where the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 face each other can be further increased. Inother words, the area of the first region 310, which has a function oftransferring metal ions, between the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 can be further increased.

As described above, in the present disclosure, “with respect to thefirst region 310, the second region 320 is positioned on the outerperipheral side of the region where the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 face each other” encompasses the structures(in other words, the arrangement of the second region 320) illustratedin FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the present disclosure, “the region where the electrode layer 100 andthe counter electrode layer 200 face each other” encompasses, forexample, “when viewed in a stacking direction of the electrode layer 100and the counter electrode layer 200 (in other words, in the z directionin the drawing), a region where a part of a main surface (or the entiremain surface) of the electrode layer 100 overlaps a part of a mainsurface (or the entire main surface) of the counter electrode layer 200(in other words, the overlapping region)”.

In the present disclosure, “the structure in which the electrode layer100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other” encompasses,for example, “a structure in which another member (for example, thesolid electrolyte layer 300) is disposed between the main surface of theelectrode layer 100 and the main surface of the counter electrode layer200 that face each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second region 320 may be positionedonly at one end portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300. For example,when the solid electrolyte layer 300 has a rectangular shape (forexample, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, thesecond region 320 may be disposed at only one side of this shape.

Alternatively, the second region 320 may be positioned at two or moreend portions among the end portions of the solid electrolyte layer 300.For example, when the solid electrolyte layer 300 has a rectangularshape (for example, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to3, the second region 320 may be disposed at two or more sides of thisshape. In this manner, the heat dissipating property (and strength,environmental resistance, etc.) can be enhanced at the two or more endportions.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will now be described. Descriptions for thefeatures overlapping those of the first embodiment are omitted asappropriate.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 2000 according tothe second embodiment.

FIG. 4(a) is an x-z diagram (4A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 2000 according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 4(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 2000 according to the secondembodiment.

The battery 2000 according to the second embodiment further includes thefollowing features in addition to the features of the battery 1000 ofthe first embodiment described above.

That is, in the battery 2000 of the second embodiment, the second region320 surrounds the first region 310.

According to this structure, the density of the solid electrolytematerial in the outer rim portion (for example, the entire outer rimportion) on the four sides of the solid electrolyte layer 300 can beincreased. In this manner, the heat from the center portion of the solidelectrolyte layer 300 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the outerrim portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300 close to the parts whereheat has been generated. As a result, the heat generated in the centerportion of the battery (for example, heat generated in the first region310, the electrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200) can bemore easily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300(and the outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim on the foursides (for example, the entire outer rim) of the first region 310 can becovered with the second region 320 having a higher strength. Thus,breaking of the outer rim on the four sides of the first region 310having a relatively low strength (for example, collapse of the firstsolid electrolyte material) can be suppressed by the second region 320.Thus, the strength of the battery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim on the four sides of the first region 310 and the outsideof the battery (for example, outside air). As a result, for example, theoutside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, or the like)coming into the outer rim on the four sides of the first region 310 canbe blocked by the second region 320. Thus, the environmental resistanceof the battery can be further improved.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second region 320 may be positioned onlywithin the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 face each other.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 2100 according tothe second embodiment.

FIG. 5(a) is an x-z diagram (5A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 2100 according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 5(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 2100 according to the secondembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second region 320 may be positioned withinthe region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200 face each other and also outside the region where the electrodelayer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other. In thismanner, the second region 320 can be placed on the four sides of thebattery and to be more remote from the center portion of the battery.Thus, the heat dissipating property by the second region 320 can befurther enhanced.

The second region 320 may be a region in contact with at least one ofthe electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 4 or 5, the second region 320 may be aregion in contact with both of the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 2200 according tothe second embodiment.

FIG. 6(a) is an x-z diagram (6A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 2200 according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 6(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 2200 according to the secondembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second region 320 may be positioned onlyoutside the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 face each other. In this manner, the second region320 can be placed to be more remote from the center portion of thebattery. Thus, the heat dissipating property by the second region 320can be further enhanced. Furthermore, the area of the first region 310positioned within the region where the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 face each other can be further increased. Inother words, the area of the first region 310, which has a function oftransferring metal ions, between the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 can be further increased.

As described above, in the present disclosure, “the second region 320surrounds the first region 310” also encompasses the structures (inother words, the arrangement of the second region 320) illustrated inFIGS. 4 to 6. In other words, “the second region 320 surrounds the firstregion 310” encompasses, for example, “the second region 320 contactsall of the end portions of the first region 310”. In other words, forexample, when the first region 310 has a rectangular shape (for example,a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the second region320 may be in contact with all of the sides of this shape. For example,the outer peripheral side surface of the first region 310 may be bondedto the inner peripheral side surface of the second region 320.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment will now be described. Descriptions for thefeatures overlapping those of the first and second embodiments areomitted as appropriate.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 3000 according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 7(a) is an x-z diagram (7A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3000 according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 7(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3000 according to the thirdembodiment.

The battery 3000 according to the third embodiment further includes thefollowing features in addition to the features of the battery 1000 ofthe first embodiment described above.

That is, in the battery 3000 of the third embodiment, the second region320 is in contact with an end portion (for example, a side surface) ofthe electrode layer 100.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion (for example, at least one endportion) of the electrode layer 100. As a result, the heat from theelectrode layer 100 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the secondregion 320. As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of thebattery (in other words, heat generated in the electrode layer 100) canbe more easily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer300 (and the outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion (forexample, at least one end portion) of the electrode layer 100 can becovered with the second region 320 having a higher strength. Thus,breaking of the outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100, which hasa relatively low strength (for example, collapse of the electrodematerial), can be suppressed by the second region 320. Thus, thestrength of the battery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100 and the outside of thebattery (for example, outside air). As a result, for example, theoutside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, or the like)coming into the outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100 can beblocked by the second region 320. Thus, the environmental resistance ofthe battery can be further improved.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second region 320 may be in contact withonly one end portion of the electrode layer 100. For example, when theelectrode layer 100 has a rectangular shape (for example, aquadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIG. 7, the second region 320 maybe disposed to be in contact with only one side of this shape.

Alternatively, the second region 320 may be in contact with two or moreend portions among the end portions of the electrode layer 100. Forexample, when the electrode layer 100 has a rectangular shape (forexample, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIG. 7, the secondregion 320 may be disposed to be in contact with two or more sides ofthis shape. In this manner, the heat dissipating property (and strength,environmental resistance, etc.) can be enhanced at the two or more endportions.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 3100 according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 8(a) is an x-z diagram (8A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3100 according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 8(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3100 according to the thirdembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second region 320 may surround theelectrode layer 100.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion on the four sides (for example, theentire outer rim portion) of the electrode layer 100. As a result, theheat from the electrode layer 100 is easily transferred (dissipated) tothe second region 320 close to the parts where heat has been generated.As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of the battery (inother words, heat generated in the electrode layer 100) can be moreeasily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (andthe outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion on thefour sides (for example, the entire outer rim) of the electrode layer100 can be covered with the second region 320 having a higher strength.Thus, breaking of the outer rim portion on the four sides of theelectrode layer 100, which has a relatively low strength (for example,collapse of the electrode material), can be further suppressed by thesecond region 320. Thus, the strength of the battery can be furtherimproved.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion on the four sides of the electrode layer 100 andthe outside of the battery (for example, outside air). As a result, forexample, the outside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, orthe like) coming into the outer rim portion on the four sides of theelectrode layer 100 can be blocked by the second region 320. Thus, theenvironmental resistance of the battery can be further improved.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 3200 according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 9(a) is an x-z diagram (9A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3200 according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 9(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3200 according to the thirdembodiment.

The battery 3200 according to the third embodiment further includes thefollowing features in addition to the features of the battery 3000 ofthe third embodiment described above.

That is, in the battery 3200 of the third embodiment, the second region320 is in contact with an end portion (for example, a side surface) ofthe counter electrode layer 200.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion (for example, at least one endportion) of the counter electrode layer 200. As a result, the heat fromthe counter electrode layer 200 is easily transferred (dissipated) tothe second region 320. As a result, the heat generated in the centerportion of the battery (in other words, heat generated in the counterelectrode layer 200) can be more easily dissipated to the surface of thesolid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion (forexample, at least one end portion) of the counter electrode layer 200can be covered with the second region 320 having a higher strength.Thus, breaking of the outer rim portion of the counter electrode layer200, which has a relatively low strength (for example, collapse of theelectrode material), can be suppressed by the second region 320. Thus,the strength of the battery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion of the counter electrode layer 200 and the outsideof the battery (for example, outside air). As a result, for example, theoutside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, or the like)coming into the outer rim portion of the counter electrode layer 200 canbe blocked by the second region 320. Thus, the environmental resistanceof the battery can be further improved.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second region 320 may be in contact withonly one end portion of the counter electrode layer 200. For example,when the counter electrode layer 200 has a rectangular shape (forexample, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIG. 9, the secondregion 320 may be disposed to be in contact with only one side of thisshape.

Alternatively, the second region 320 may be in contact with two or moreend portions among the end portions of the counter electrode layer 200.For example, when the counter electrode layer 200 has a rectangularshape (for example, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIG. 9, thesecond region 320 may be disposed to be in contact with two or moresides of this shape. In this manner, the heat dissipating property (andstrength, environmental resistance, etc.) can be enhanced at the two ormore end portions.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 3300 according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 10(a) is an x-z diagram (10A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3300 according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 10(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3300 according to the thirdembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second region 320 may surround thecounter electrode layer 200.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion on the four sides (for example, theentire outer rim portion) of the counter electrode layer 200. As aresult, the heat from the counter electrode layer 200 is easilytransferred (dissipated) to the second region 320 close to the partswhere heat has been generated. As a result, the heat generated in thecenter portion of the battery (in other words, heat generated in thecounter electrode layer 200) can be more easily dissipated to thesurface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside of thebattery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion on thefour sides (for example, the entire outer rim) of the counter electrodelayer 200 can be covered with the second region 320 having a higherstrength. Thus, breaking of the outer rim portion on the four sides ofthe counter electrode layer 200, which has a relatively low strength(for example, collapse of the electrode material), can be furthersuppressed by the second region 320. Thus, the strength of the batterycan be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion on the four sides of the counter electrode layer200 and the outside of the battery (for example, outside air). As aresult, for example, the outside air (for example, atmospheric air,humid air, or the like) coming into the outer rim portion on the foursides of the counter electrode layer 200 can be blocked by the secondregion 320. Thus, the environmental resistance of the battery can befurther improved.

In the present disclosure, “the second region 320 surrounds theelectrode layer 100 (or the counter electrode layer 200)” encompasses,for example, “the second region 320 contacts all of the end portions ofthe electrode layer 100 (or the counter electrode layer 200)”. In otherwords, for example, when the electrode layer 100 (or the counterelectrode layer 200) has a rectangular shape (for example, aquadrilateral shape), the second region 320 may be in contact with allof the sides of this shape.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, the second region 320 may be alsopositioned within the region where the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 face each other. Alternatively, the secondregion 320 may be positioned only outside the region where the electrodelayer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 3400 according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 11(a) is an x-z diagram (11A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3400 according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 11(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3400 according to the thirdembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first region 310 may have a firstprojecting portion 311.

The first projecting portion 311 is a portion that projects outward fromthe region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200 face each other.

Here, the second region 320 may cover the first projecting portion 311.

According to the above-described structure, the contact area between thefirst region 310 and the second region 320 can be further increased.Thus, the heat from the center portion of the solid electrolyte layer300 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the outer rim portion of thesolid electrolyte layer 300. As a result, the heat generated in thecenter portion of the battery (for example, heat generated in the firstregion 310, the electrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200)can be more easily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolytelayer 300 (and the outside of the battery).

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second region 320 may be in contact withan end portion (for example, a side surface) of the electrode layer 100and an end portion (for example, a side surface) of the counterelectrode layer 200.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 3500 according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 12(a) is an x-z diagram (12A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3500 according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 12(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 3500 according to the thirdembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first projecting portion 311 may surroundthe region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200 face each other.

Here, the second region 320 may cover the first projecting portion 311exposing from around the region where the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 face each other.

According to the above-described structure, the contact area between thefirst region 310 and the second region 320 can be further increased. Inthis manner, the heat from the center portion of the solid electrolytelayer 300 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the outer rim portion ofthe solid electrolyte layer 300 close to the parts where heat has beengenerated. As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of thebattery (for example, heat generated in the first region 310, theelectrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200) can be moreeasily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (andthe outside of the battery).

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second region 320 may surround theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment will now be described. Descriptions for thefeatures overlapping those of the first to third embodiments are omittedas appropriate.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 4000 according tothe fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13(a) is an x-z diagram (13A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4000 according to the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 13(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4000 according to the fourthembodiment.

The battery 4000 according to the fourth embodiment further includes thefollowing features in addition to the features of the battery 1000 ofthe first embodiment described above.

That is, the battery 4000 of the fourth embodiment further includes anelectrode current collector 400 and a counter electrode currentcollector 500.

The electrode current collector 400 is a current collector electricallycoupled to the electrode layer 100.

The counter electrode current collector 500 is a current collectorelectrically coupled to the counter electrode layer 200.

The second region 320 is positioned between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 and is incontact with the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500.

According to the above-described structure, short-circuiting caused bycontact between the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500 can be suppressed. In other words, thesecond region 320, which has a high solid electrolyte material density(in other words, a high strength), can function as a high-strengthskeleton structure in the outer rim portion of the solid electrolytelayer 300 (in other words, the outer rim portion of the electrodecurrent collector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500).As a result, the second region 320 suppresses deformation or structuraldefects in the outer rim portion of the electrode current collector 400and the counter electrode current collector 500. Thus, for example, whenthe battery has a large area and a reduced layer thickness (for example,a battery designed as a high-output, high-capacity battery) or when thebattery is an all-solid battery not equipped with separators,short-circuiting caused by contact between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 can besuppressed by the second region 320. Thus, the deformation resistanceand impact resistance of the battery can be further enhanced.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the electrode current collector 400 may beelectrically coupled to the electrode layer 100 by making direct contactwith the electrode layer 100. Alternatively, a separate conductivemember may be interposed between the electrode current collector 400 andthe electrode layer 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the electrode current collector 400 may belarger in size than the electrode layer 100. For example, the area ofthe main surface of the electrode current collector 400 may be largerthan the area of the main surface of the electrode layer 100. In otherwords, the electrode layer 100 may be formed in a range narrower thanthe electrode current collector 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the counter electrode current collector 500may be electrically coupled to the counter electrode layer 200 by makingdirect contact with the counter electrode layer 200. Alternatively, aseparate conductive member may be interposed between the counterelectrode current collector 500 and the counter electrode layer 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the counter electrode current collector 500may be larger in size than the counter electrode layer 200. For example,the area of the main surface of the counter electrode current collector500 may be larger than the area of the main surface of the counterelectrode layer 200. In other words, the counter electrode layer 200 maybe formed in a range narrower than the counter electrode currentcollector 500.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second region 320 may be positionedwithin the region where the electrode current collector 400 and thecounter electrode current collector 500 face each other without theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 therebetweenamong the region where the electrode current collector 400 and thecounter electrode current collector 500 face each other.

In the present disclosure, “the region where the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 face eachother” encompasses, for example, “when viewed in a stacking direction ofthe electrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 (in other words, in the z direction in the drawing), aregion where a part of a main surface (or the entire main surface) ofthe electrode current collector 400 overlaps a part of a main surface(or the entire main surface) of the counter electrode current collector500 (in other words, the overlapping region)”.

In the present disclosure, “the structure in which the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 face eachother” encompasses, for example, “a structure in which another member(for example, the electrode layer 100, the counter electrode layer 200,the solid electrolyte layer 300, etc.) is disposed between the mainsurface of the electrode current collector 400 and the main surface ofthe counter electrode current collector 500 that face each other.

The electrode layer 100 may be a positive electrode layer. In this case,the electrode active material is a positive electrode active material.The electrode current collector 400 is a positive electrode currentcollector. The counter electrode layer 200 is a negative electrodelayer. The counter electrode active material is a negative electrodeactive material. The counter electrode current collector 500 is anegative electrode current collector.

Alternatively, the electrode layer 100 may be a negative electrodelayer. In this case, the electrode active material is a negativeelectrode active material. The electrode current collector 400 is anegative electrode current collector. The counter electrode layer 200 isa positive electrode layer. The counter electrode active material is apositive electrode active material. The counter electrode currentcollector 500 is a positive electrode current collector.

Examples of the positive electrode current collector that can be usedinclude metal films (for example, metal foils) composed of metalmaterials (for example, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel). Examplesof the positive electrode current collector that can be used alsoinclude metal films formed of alloys containing these metal materials.Another example of the positive electrode current collector that can beused is a member prepared by forming (or bonding) a film of the metalmaterial on a film composed of a different material.

The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may be, forexample, 5 to 100 μm.

Examples of the negative electrode current collector that can be usedinclude metal films (for example, metal foils) composed of metalmaterials (for example, nickel, copper, and stainless steel). Examplesof the negative electrode current collector that can be used alsoinclude metal films formed of alloys containing these metal materials.Another example of the negative electrode current collector that can beused is a member prepared by forming (or bonding) a film of the metalmaterial on a film composed of a different material.

The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be, forexample, 5 to 100 μm.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second region 320 may be positioned atonly one end portion of the electrode current collector 400 (and thecounter electrode current collector 500). For example, when theelectrode current collector 400 (and the counter electrode currentcollector 500) has a rectangular shape (for example, a quadrilateralshape) as illustrated in FIG. 13, the second region 320 may be disposedat only one side of this shape.

Alternatively, the second region 320 may be positioned at two or moreend portions among the end portions of the electrode current collector400 (and the counter electrode current collector 500). For example, whenthe electrode current collector 400 (and the counter electrode currentcollector 500) has a rectangular shape (for example, a quadrilateralshape) as illustrated in FIG. 13, the second region 320 may be disposedat two or more sides of this shape. In this manner, short-circuitingcaused by contact between the electrode current collector 400 and thecounter electrode current collector 500 can be suppressed at two or moreend portions.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 4100 according tothe fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14(a) is an x-z diagram (14A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4100 according to the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 14(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4100 according to the fourthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the second region 320 may surround the firstregion 310, the electrode layer 100, and the counter electrode layer200. Here, the second region 320 surrounding the first region 310, theelectrode layer 100, and the counter electrode layer 200 may be incontact with the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500. In this manner, short-circuiting causedby contact between the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500 can be further suppressed around (forexample, on the four sides of) the multilayer body constituted by thefirst region 310, the electrode layer 100, and the counter electrodelayer 200.

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 4200 according tothe fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15(a) is an x-z diagram (15A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4200 according to the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 15(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4200 according to the fourthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first region 310 may be positioned in theregion where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200face each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the second region 320 may be positionedwithin the entire region where the electrode current collector 400 andthe counter electrode current collector 500 face each other without theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 therebetweenamong the region where the electrode current collector 400 and thecounter electrode current collector 500 face each other. In this manner,short-circuiting caused by contact between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 can befurther suppressed around (for example, on the four sides of) themultilayer body constituted by the first region 310, the electrode layer100, and the counter electrode layer 200.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 4300 according tothe fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16(a) is an x-z diagram (16A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4300 according to the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 16(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 4300 according to the fourthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the second distance D2 may be smaller thanthe first distance D1.

The first distance D1 is the distance between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 at aposition in which the first region 310 lies.

The second distance D2 is the distance between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 at aposition in which the second region 320 lies.

According to the above-described structure, a battery in which the outerrim portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (in other words, theouter rim portion of the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500) is narrowed (in other words, a batterywith narrowed outer peripheral side surfaces) can be configured. Thus,the area of the exposed outer rim portion of the solid electrolyte layer300 can be decreased. Thus, for example, the outside air (for example,atmospheric air, humid air, or the like) coming into the first region310 can be more reliably blocked by the second region 320. Moreover, thedurability (for example, the impact resistance) of the outer peripheralside surfaces of the battery can be further improved. Thus, theenvironmental resistance of the battery can be further improved.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment will now be described. Descriptions for thefeatures overlapping those of the first to fourth embodiments areomitted as appropriate.

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 5000 according tothe fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17(a) is an x-z diagram (17A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5000 according to the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 17(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5000 according to the fifthembodiment.

The battery 5000 according to the fifth embodiment further includes thefollowing features in addition to the features of the battery 1000 ofthe first embodiment described above.

That is, in the battery 5000 of the fifth embodiment, the range in whichthe counter electrode layer 200 is formed is larger than the range inwhich the electrode layer 100 is formed.

Here, the electrode layer 100 is positioned within the range in whichthe counter electrode layer 200 is formed.

According to the above-described structure, since the counter electrodelayer 200 is formed to have a larger area than the electrode layer 100,precipitation of metal (for example, lithium) in the counter electrodelayer 200 can be suppressed. Thus, short-circuiting between theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 caused by metalprecipitation can be prevented.

The counter electrode layer 200 may be larger in size than the electrodelayer 100. For example, the area of the main surface of the counterelectrode layer 200 may be larger than the area of the main surface ofthe electrode layer 100. In other words, the electrode layer 100 may beformed in a range narrower than the counter electrode layer 200. Asillustrated in FIG. 17, one end portion of the counter electrode layer200 may be larger than the electrode layer 100. Here, this end portionmay be arranged not to face the electrode layer 100.

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 5100 according tothe fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18(a) is an x-z diagram (18A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5100 according to the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 18(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5100 according to the fifthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the end portions (for example, all endportions) on the four sides of the counter electrode layer 200 may bearranged to not face the electrode layer 100. In this manner,precipitation of the metal (for example, lithium) in the counterelectrode layer 200 can be further suppressed. Thus, short-circuitingbetween the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200caused by metal precipitation can be more reliably prevented.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the second region 320 may lie in aregion where the electrode layer 100 is absent among the region facingthe counter electrode layer 200 (for example, the region in which thecounter electrode layer 200 and the electrode current collector 400 faceeach other without the electrode layer 100 therebetween).

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 5200 according tothe fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19(a) is an x-z diagram (19A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5200 according to the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 19(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5200 according to the fifthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the first region 310 may lie in a regionwhere the electrode layer 100 is absent among the region facing thecounter electrode layer 200 (for example, the region in which thecounter electrode layer 200 and the electrode current collector 400 faceeach other without the electrode layer 100 therebetween). In thismanner, the area of the first region 310 positioned within the regionwhere the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 faceeach other can be further increased. In other words, the area of thefirst region 310, which has a function of transferring metal ions,between the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 canbe further increased. In this manner, precipitation of the metal (forexample, lithium) in the counter electrode layer 200 can be furthersuppressed.

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 5300 according tothe fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20(a) is an x-z diagram (20A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5300 according to the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 20(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 5300 according to the fifthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the second region 320 may lie in a regionwhere the electrode layer 100 is absent among the region facing thecounter electrode layer 200 (for example, the region in which thecounter electrode layer 200 and the electrode current collector 400 faceeach other without the electrode layer 100 therebetween). In otherwords, the second region 320 may be absent in the region where theelectrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 face each other without the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 therebetween among the region where theelectrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 face each other.

Sixth Embodiment

The sixth embodiment will now be described. Descriptions for thefeatures overlapping those of the first to fifth embodiments are omittedas appropriate.

FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6000 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 21(a) is an x-z diagram (21A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6000 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 21(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6000 according to the sixthembodiment.

The battery 6000 according to the sixth embodiment further includes thefollowing features in addition to the features of the battery 1000 ofthe first embodiment described above.

That is, in the battery 6000 of the sixth embodiment, the solidelectrolyte layer 300 has a third region 330.

The third region 330 is a region that contains a third solid electrolytematerial.

The third region 330 is in contact with the second region 320.

The second region 320 is positioned between the first region 310 and thethird region 330.

The third density is higher than the second density.

Here, the third density is the density of the third solid electrolytematerial in the third region 330.

According to the above-described structure, the density of the solidelectrolyte material can be gradually changed across the first region310, the second region 320, and the third region 330. In other words,the density of the solid electrolyte material can be gradually increasedfrom the center portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300 toward theouter rim portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300. Compared to thecase in which the first region 310 and the third region 330 are indirect contact, interposing the second region 320 between the firstregion 310 and the third region 330 decreases the difference in thedensity of the solid electrolyte material between adjacent andcontacting regions. As a result, the physical property values (forexample, a thermal expansion coefficient) of the regions in contact witheach other can be adjusted to be close to each other. Thus, the matchingand adhesion at the interfaces between the first region 310, the secondregion 320, and the third region 330 can be further improved. In otherwords, occurrence of structural defects that inhibit heat transferbetween the first region 310, the second region 320, and the thirdregion 330 can be further suppressed. As a result, the heat generated inthe center portion of the battery (for example, heat generated in thefirst region 310, the electrode layer 100, or the counter electrodelayer 200) can be more easily dissipated to the third region 330 and thesurface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside of thebattery) through the second region 320.

Moreover, according to the above-described structure, interposing thesecond region 320 between the first region 310 and the third region 330decreases the difference in the density of the solid electrolytematerial between the first region 310 and the third region 330. In otherwords, the density of the third solid electrolyte material in the thirdregion 330 can be sufficiently increased. In this manner, the thirdregion 330, which has an increased solid electrolyte material density,can be placed in the outer rim portion of the solid electrolyte layer300. Thus, the heat generated in the center portion of the battery canbe more easily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer300 (and the outside of the battery) through the third region 330.

The electrode layer 100 may contain an electrode active material.

The counter electrode layer 200 may contain a counter electrode activematerial.

The density of the electrode active material and the density of thecounter electrode active material in the first region 310 may both belower than the first density.

The density of the electrode active material and the density of thecounter electrode active material in the second region 320 may both belower than the second density.

The density of the electrode active material and the density of thecounter electrode active material in the third region 330 may both belower than the third density.

According to the above-described structure, the first region 310, thesecond region 320, and the third region 330 can be placed in a portionwhere the densities of the electrode active material and the counterelectrode active material are low (in other words, the portion that isremote from both the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200 and that lies in a portion closer to the center in the solidelectrolyte layer 300). That is, the first region 310, the second region320, and the third region 330 having high heat dissipating propertiescan be placed in a portion closer to the center inside the battery. As aresult, heat generated in the center portion of the battery can be moreeasily transferred to the outer rim portion of the battery compared tothe structure in which a heat-dissipating member is installed in aportion closer to the electrode layer 100 (a portion closer to thecounter electrode layer 200).

The first region 310, the second region 320, and the third region 330may each be a region not containing an electrode active material or acounter electrode active material.

According to the above-described structure, the first region 310, thesecond region 320, and the third region 330 can be placed in a portionwhere the electrode active material and the counter electrode activematerial are not contained (in other words, the portion that is remotefrom both the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200and that lies in a portion closer to the center in the solid electrolytelayer 300). That is, the first region 310, the second region 320, andthe third region 330 having high heat dissipating properties can beplaced in a portion closer to the center inside the battery. As aresult, heat generated in the center portion of the battery can be moreeasily transferred to the outer rim portion of the battery compared tothe structure in which a heat-dissipating member is installed in aportion closer to the electrode layer 100 (a portion closer to thecounter electrode layer 200).

Examples of the third solid electrolyte material include the solidelectrolytes that can be used as the first solid electrolyte materialdescribed above.

The first solid electrolyte material, the second solid electrolytematerial, and the third solid electrolyte material may be materialsdifferent from each other. In this manner, for example, while a solidelectrolyte material having a high heat dissipating property is used asthe second solid electrolyte material and the third solid electrolytematerial, a solid electrolyte material having high metal ionconductivity can be used as the first solid electrolyte material.

Alternatively, the first solid electrolyte material, the second solidelectrolyte material, and the third solid electrolyte material may bethe same material.

According to the above-described structure, the same solid electrolytematerial can be contained in the first region 310, the second region320, and the third region 330. As a result, the physical property values(for example, a thermal expansion coefficient) of the first region 310,the second region 320, and the third region 330 can be adjusted to beclose to each other. Thus, the matching and adhesion at the interfacesbetween the first region 310, the second region 320, and the thirdregion 330 can be further improved. In other words, occurrence ofstructural defects that inhibit heat transfer between the first region310, the second region 320, and the third region 330 can be furthersuppressed. As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of thebattery (for example, heat generated in the first region 310, theelectrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200) can be moreeasily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (andthe outside of the battery) through the second region 320 and the thirdregion 330. Furthermore, for example, when the first region 310, thesecond region 320, and the third region 330 are composed of the samematerial, the battery production process (for example, mixing of themixture and application of the mixture, etc.) can be further simplified.

The third solid electrolyte material may be constituted by particles. Insuch a case, the third region 330 is a region that contains particles ofthe third solid electrolyte material. Here, the third density is thedensity of the particles of the third solid electrolyte material in thethird region 330.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the third region 330 may be positioned onlyoutside the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 face each other. Alternatively, the third region 330may be positioned within the region where the electrode layer 100 andthe counter electrode layer 200 face each other and also outside theregion where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200face each other. In this manner, the third region 330 can be placed tobe more remote from the center portion of the battery. Thus, the heatdissipating property by the third region 330 can be further enhanced.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may be positioned only within theregion where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200face each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the third region 330 may be in contact withonly one end portion of the second region 320. For example, when thesecond region 320 has a rectangular shape (for example, a quadrilateralshape) as illustrated in FIG. 21, the third region 330 may be disposedto be in contact with only one side of this shape.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may be in contact with two or moreend portions among the end portions of the second region 320. Forexample, when the second region 320 has a rectangular shape (forexample, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIG. 21, the thirdregion 330 may be disposed to be in contact with two or more sides ofthis shape. In this manner, the heat dissipating property (and strength,environmental resistance, etc.) can be enhanced at the two or more endportions.

FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6100 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22(a) is an x-z diagram (22A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6100 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 22(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6100 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the third region 330 may surround the secondregion 320.

According to this structure, the density of the solid electrolytematerial can be gradually increased from the center portion of the solidelectrolyte layer 300 toward the outer rim portion (for example, theentire outer rim portion) on the four sides of the solid electrolytelayer 300. In other words, the matching and adhesion at the interfacesbetween contacting portions of the first region 310, the second region320, and the third region 330 can be further improved in the outer rimportion (for example, the entire outer rim portion) on the four sides ofthe solid electrolyte layer 300. As a result, the heat generated in thecenter portion of the battery (for example, heat generated in the firstregion 310, the electrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200)can be more easily dissipated to the third region 330 and the surface ofthe outer rim portion on the four sides of the solid electrolyte layer300 (and the outside of the battery) through the second region 320.

In the present disclosure, “the third region 330 surrounds the secondregion 320” encompasses, for example, “the third region 330 contacts allof the end portions of the second region 320”. In other words, forexample, when the second region 320 has a rectangular outline shape (forexample, a quadrilateral shape) as illustrated in FIG. 22, the thirdregion 330 may be in contact with all of the sides of this shape. Forexample, the outer peripheral side surface of the second region 320 maybe bonded to the inner peripheral side surface of the third region 330.

FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6200 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23(a) is an x-z diagram (23A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6200 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 23(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6200 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the second region 320 may have a secondprojecting portion 321.

The second projecting portion 321 is a portion that projects outwardfrom the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrodelayer 200 face each other.

Here, the third region 330 may cover the second projecting portion 321.

According to the above-described structure, the contact area between thesecond region 320 and the third region 330 can be further increased.Thus, the heat from the center portion of the solid electrolyte layer300 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the outer rim portion of thesolid electrolyte layer 300. As a result, the heat generated in thecenter portion of the battery (for example, heat generated in the firstregion 310, the electrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200)can be more easily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolytelayer 300 (and the outside of the battery).

FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6300 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 24(a) is an x-z diagram (24A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6300 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 24(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6300 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the second projecting portion 321 maysurround the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counterelectrode layer 200 face each other.

Here, the third region 330 may cover the second projecting portion 321exposing from around the region where the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 face each other.

According to the above-described structure, the contact area between thesecond region 320 and the third region 330 can be further increased. Inthis manner, the heat from the center portion of the solid electrolytelayer 300 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the outer rim portion ofthe solid electrolyte layer 300 close to the parts where heat has beengenerated. As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of thebattery (for example, heat generated in the first region 310, theelectrode layer 100, or the counter electrode layer 200) can be moreeasily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (andthe outside of the battery).

FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6400 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 25(a) is an x-z diagram (25A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6400 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 25(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6400 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the first region 310 may have a firstprojecting portion 311.

The first projecting portion 311 is a portion that projects outward fromthe region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer200 face each other.

Here, the second region 320 may cover the first projecting portion 311.

The second region 320 covering the first projecting portion 311 may havea second projecting portion 321.

The second projecting portion 321 is a portion that projects outwardfrom the region where the electrode layer 100 and the counter electrodelayer 200 face each other.

Here, the third region 330 may cover the second projecting portion 321.

According to the above-described structure, the contact area between thefirst region 310 and the second region 320 and the contact area betweenthe second region 320 and the third region 330 can both be furtherincreased. Thus, the heat from the center portion of the solidelectrolyte layer 300 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the outerrim portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300. As a result, the heatgenerated in the center portion of the battery (for example, heatgenerated in the first region 310, the electrode layer 100, or thecounter electrode layer 200) can be more easily dissipated to thesurface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside of thebattery).

The third region 330 may be in contact with an end portion (for example,a side surface) of the electrode layer 100.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion (for example, at least one endportion) of the electrode layer 100. As a result, the heat from theelectrode layer 100 is easily transferred (dissipated) to the thirdregion 330. As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of thebattery (in other words, heat generated in the electrode layer 100) canbe more easily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer300 (and the outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion (forexample, at least one end portion) of the electrode layer 100 can becovered with the third region 330 having a higher strength. Thus,breaking of the outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100, which hasa relatively low strength (for example, collapse of the electrodematerial), can be suppressed by the third region 330. Thus, the strengthof the battery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100 and the outside of thebattery (for example, outside air). As a result, for example, theoutside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, or the like)coming into the outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100 can beblocked by the third region 330. Thus, the environmental resistance ofthe battery can be further improved.

The third region 330 may be in contact with only one end portion of theelectrode layer 100. For example, when the electrode layer 100 has arectangular shape (for example, a quadrilateral shape), the third region330 may be disposed to be in contact with only one side of this shape.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may be in contact with two or moreend portions among the end portions of the electrode layer 100. Forexample, when the electrode layer 100 has a rectangular shape (forexample, a quadrilateral shape), the third region 330 may be disposed tobe in contact with two or more sides of this shape. In this manner, theheat dissipating property (and strength, environmental resistance, etc.)can be enhanced at the two or more end portions.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may surround the electrode layer100.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion on the four sides (for example, theentire outer rim portion) of the electrode layer 100. As a result, theheat from the electrode layer 100 is easily transferred (dissipated) tothe third region 330 close to the parts where heat has been generated.As a result, the heat generated in the center portion of the battery (inother words, heat generated in the electrode layer 100) can be moreeasily dissipated to the surface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (andthe outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion on thefour sides (for example, the entire outer rim) of the electrode layer100 can be covered with the third region 330 having a higher strength.Thus, breaking of the outer rim portion of the electrode layer 100,which has a relatively low strength (for example, collapse of theelectrode material), can be suppressed by the third region 330. Thus,the strength of the battery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion on the four sides of the electrode layer 100 andthe outside of the battery (for example, outside air). As a result, forexample, the outside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, orthe like) coming into the outer rim portion on the four sides of theelectrode layer 100 can be blocked by the third region 330. Thus, theenvironmental resistance of the battery can be further improved.

The third region 330 may be in contact with an end portion (for example,a side surface) of the counter electrode layer 200.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion (for example, at least one endportion) of the counter electrode layer 200. As a result, the heat fromthe counter electrode layer 200 is easily transferred (dissipated) tothe third region 330. As a result, the heat generated in the centerportion of the battery (in other words, heat generated in the counterelectrode layer 200) can be more easily dissipated to the surface of thesolid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside of the battery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion (forexample, at least one end portion) of the counter electrode layer 200can be covered with the third region 330 having a higher strength. Thus,breaking of the outer rim portion of the counter electrode layer 200,which has a relatively low strength (for example, collapse of thecounter electrode material), can be further suppressed by the thirdregion 330. Thus, the strength of the battery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion of the counter electrode layer 200 and the outsideof the battery (for example, outside air). As a result, for example, theoutside air (for example, atmospheric air, humid air, or the like)coming into the outer rim portion of the counter electrode layer 200 canbe blocked by the third region 330. Thus, the environmental resistanceof the battery can be further improved.

The third region 330 may be in contact with only one end portion of thecounter electrode layer 200. For example, when the counter electrodelayer 200 has a rectangular shape (for example, a quadrilateral shape),the third region 330 may be disposed to be in contact with only one sideof this shape.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may be in contact with two or moreend portions among the end portions of the counter electrode layer 200.For example, when the counter electrode layer 200 has a rectangularshape (for example, a quadrilateral shape), the third region 330 may bedisposed to be in contact with two or more sides of this shape. In thismanner, the heat dissipating property (and strength, environmentalresistance, etc.) can be enhanced at the two or more end portions.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may surround the counter electrodelayer 200.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion on the four sides (for example, theentire outer rim portion) of the counter electrode layer 200. As aresult, the heat from the counter electrode layer 200 is easilytransferred (dissipated) to the third region 330 close to the partswhere heat has been generated. As a result, the heat generated in thecenter portion of the battery (in other words, heat generated in thecounter electrode layer 200) can be more easily dissipated to thesurface of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (and the outside of thebattery).

According to the above-described structure, the outer rim portion on thefour sides (for example, the entire outer rim) of the counter electrodelayer 200 can be covered with the third region 330 having a higherstrength. Thus, breaking of the outer rim portion on the four sides ofthe counter electrode layer 200, which has a relatively low strength(for example, collapse of the counter electrode material), can befurther suppressed by the third region 330. Thus, the strength of thebattery can be further improved.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330 havinga higher solid electrolyte material density can be interposed betweenthe outer rim portion on the four sides of the counter electrode layer200 and the outside of the battery (for example, outside air). As aresult, for example, the outside air (for example, atmospheric air,humid air, or the like) coming into the outer rim portion on the foursides of the counter electrode layer 200 can be blocked by the thirdregion 330. Thus, the environmental resistance of the battery can befurther improved.

In the present disclosure, “the third region 330 surrounds the electrodelayer 100 (or the counter electrode layer 200)” encompasses, forexample, “the third region 330 contacts all of the end portions of theelectrode layer 100 (or the counter electrode layer 200)”. In otherwords, for example, when the electrode layer 100 (or the counterelectrode layer 200) has a rectangular shape (for example, aquadrilateral shape), the third region 330 may be in contact with all ofthe sides of this shape.

FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6500 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 26(a) is an x-z diagram (26A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6500 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 26(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6500 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, a range in which the counter electrode layer200 is formed may be larger than the range in which the electrode layer100 is formed.

Here, the electrode layer 100 may be positioned within the range inwhich the counter electrode layer 200 is formed.

The second region 320 may be in contact with an end portion of theelectrode layer 100.

The third region 330 may be in contact with an end portion of thecounter electrode layer 200.

According to the above-described structure, since the counter electrodelayer 200 is formed to have a larger area than the electrode layer 100,precipitation of metal (for example, lithium) in the counter electrodelayer 200 can be suppressed. Thus, short-circuiting between theelectrode layer 100 and the counter electrode layer 200 caused by metalprecipitation can be prevented.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion (for example, at least one endportion) of the counter electrode layer 200 while the counter electrodelayer 200 is formed to have a larger area than the electrode layer 100(in other words, while reducing the risk of short-circuiting due to themetal precipitation).

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion (for example, at least one endportion) of the electrode layer 100 while the counter electrode layer200 is formed to have a larger area than the electrode layer 100 (inother words, while reducing the risk of short-circuiting due to themetal precipitation).

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6600 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 27(a) is an x-z diagram (27A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6600 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 27(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6600 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the second region 320 may surround theelectrode layer 100.

Here, the third region 330 may surround the counter electrode layer 200.

According to the above-described structure, the third region 330, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion on the four sides (for example, theentire outer rim portion) of the counter electrode layer 200 while thecounter electrode layer 200 is formed to have a larger area than theelectrode layer 100 (in other words, while reducing the risk ofshort-circuiting due to the metal precipitation).

According to the above-described structure, the second region 320, whichhas a high solid electrolyte material density, can be disposed to be incontact with the outer rim portion on the four sides (for example, theentire outer rim portion) of the electrode layer 100 while the counterelectrode layer 200 is formed to have a larger area than the electrodelayer 100 (in other words, while reducing the risk of short-circuitingdue to the metal precipitation).

FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 6700 according tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 28(a) is an x-z diagram (28A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6700 according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 28(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 6700 according to the sixthembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the first region 310 may surround theelectrode layer 100. In other words, the second region 320 need not bein contact with the electrode layer 100. In this manner, the area of thefirst region 310 positioned within the region where the electrode layer100 and the counter electrode layer 200 face each other can be furtherincreased. In other words, the area of the first region 310, which has afunction of transferring metal ions, between the electrode layer 100 andthe counter electrode layer 200 can be further increased. In thismanner, precipitation of the metal (for example, lithium) in the counterelectrode layer 200 can be further suppressed.

Seventh Embodiment

The seventh embodiment will now be described. Descriptions for thefeatures overlapping those of the first to sixth embodiments are omittedas appropriate.

FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 7000 according tothe seventh embodiment.

FIG. 29(a) is an x-z diagram (29A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 7000 according to the seventhembodiment.

FIG. 29(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 7000 according to the seventhembodiment.

The battery 7000 according to the seventh embodiment further includesthe following features in addition to the features of the battery 6000of the sixth embodiment described above.

That is, the battery 7000 of the seventh embodiment further includes anelectrode current collector 400 and a counter electrode currentcollector 500.

The electrode current collector 400 is a current collector electricallycoupled to the electrode layer 100.

The counter electrode current collector 500 is a current collectorelectrically coupled to the counter electrode layer 200.

The third region 330 is positioned between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 and is incontact with the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500.

According to the above-described structure, short-circuiting caused bycontact between the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500 can be suppressed. In other words, thethird region 330, which has a high solid electrolyte material density(in other words, a high strength), can function as a high-strengthskeleton structure in the outer rim portion of the solid electrolytelayer 300 (in other words, the outer rim portion of the electrodecurrent collector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500).As a result, the third region 330 suppresses deformation or structuraldefects in the outer rim portion of the electrode current collector 400and the counter electrode current collector 500. Thus, for example, whenthe battery has a large area and a reduced layer thickness (for example,a battery designed as a high-output, high-capacity battery) or when thebattery is an all-solid battery not equipped with separators,short-circuiting caused by contact between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 can besuppressed by the third region 330. Thus, the deformation resistance andimpact resistance of the battery can be further enhanced.

The third region 330 may be positioned within the region where theelectrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 face each other without the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 therebetween among the region where theelectrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 face each other.

The third region 330 may be positioned at only one end portion of theelectrode current collector 400 (and the counter electrode currentcollector 500). For example, when the electrode current collector 400(and the counter electrode current collector 500) has a rectangularshape (for example, a quadrilateral shape), the third region 330 may bedisposed at only one side of this shape.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may be positioned at two or more endportions among the end portions of the electrode current collector 400(and the counter electrode current collector 500). For example, when theelectrode current collector 400 (and the counter electrode currentcollector 500) has a rectangular shape (for example, a quadrilateralshape), the third region 330 may be disposed at two or more sides ofthis shape. In this manner, short-circuiting caused by contact betweenthe electrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 can be suppressed at two or more end portions.

Alternatively, the third region 330 may surround the second region 320,the electrode layer 100, and the counter electrode layer 200. Here, thethird region 330 surrounding the second region 320, the electrode layer100, and the counter electrode layer 200 may be in contact with theelectrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500. In this manner, short-circuiting caused by contactbetween the electrode current collector 400 and the counter electrodecurrent collector 500 can be further suppressed around (for example, onthe four sides of) the multilayer body constituted by the second region320, the electrode layer 100, and the counter electrode layer 200.

The third region 330 may be positioned within the entire region wherethe electrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 face each other without the electrode layer 100 and thecounter electrode layer 200 therebetween among the region where theelectrode current collector 400 and the counter electrode currentcollector 500 face each other. In this manner, short-circuiting causedby contact between the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500 can be further suppressed around (forexample, on the four sides of) the multilayer body constituted by thesecond region 320, the electrode layer 100, and the counter electrodelayer 200.

FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic structure of a battery 7100 according tothe seventh embodiment.

FIG. 30(a) is an x-z diagram (30A cross-sectional view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 7100 according to the seventhembodiment.

FIG. 30(b) is an x-y diagram (top perspective view) illustrating theschematic structure of the battery 7100 according to the seventhembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, the second distance D2 may be smaller thanthe first distance D1.

Here, the third distance D3 may be smaller than the second distance D2.

The first distance D1 is the distance between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 at aposition in which the first region 310 lies.

The second distance D2 is the distance between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 at aposition in which the second region 320 lies.

The third distance D3 is the distance between the electrode currentcollector 400 and the counter electrode current collector 500 at aposition in which the third region 330 lies.

According to the above-described structure, a battery in which the outerrim portion of the solid electrolyte layer 300 (in other words, theouter rim portion of the electrode current collector 400 and the counterelectrode current collector 500) is narrowed (in other words, a batterywith narrowed outer peripheral side surfaces) can be configurated. Thus,the area of the exposed outer rim portion of the solid electrolyte layer300 can be decreased. Thus, for example, the outside air (for example,atmospheric air, humid air, or the like) coming into the first region310 can be more reliably blocked by the second region 320 and the thirdregion 330. Moreover, the durability (for example, the impactresistance) of the outer peripheral side surfaces of the battery can befurther improved. Thus, the environmental resistance of the battery canbe further improved.

In the first to seventh embodiments, a portion (or the entirety) of sidesurfaces of the battery may be covered with an insulating material (forexample, a sealing material). In this manner, the battery can be morefirmly sealed. Here, the sealing material may be, for example, amoisture-proof laminate sheet. In this manner, the sealing material canprevent deterioration of the battery by moisture. The battery may beenclosed in a sealed case. Examples of the sealed case that can be usedinclude common known battery cases (for example, laminate bags, metalcans, resin cases, etc.).

The batteries of the first to seventh embodiments may each furtherinclude a pair of external electrodes. The pair of external electrodesmay protrude outward from the upper and lower surfaces (or sidesurfaces) of the battery if the entire battery is to be sealed in withthe sealing material. One of the external electrodes may be coupled tothe current collector (for example, the electrode current collector 400)at one end of the battery. Here, the other one of the externalelectrodes may be coupled to the current collector (for example, thecounter electrode current collector 500) at the other end of thebattery. In this manner, power can be discharged to the load coupled tothe pair of external electrodes, and the battery can be charged by usinga charger connected to the pair of external electrodes.

The features described in the first to seventh embodiments describedabove may be appropriately combined.

Method for Preparing Battery

An example of the method for preparing the batteries of the first toseventh embodiments will now be described.

First, pastes used for printing and forming the first region 310, thesecond region 320, the positive electrode layer, and the negativeelectrode layer are prepared. The pastes for the first region 310 andthe second region 320 may be prepared from the same solid electrolytematerial or different solid electrolyte materials. A glass powder of aLi₂S—P₂S₅-based sulfide having an average particle diameter of about 10μm and containing a triclinic crystal as a main component is prepared asthe solid electrolyte material used as a mixture component for the firstregion 310, the second region 320, the positive electrode layer, and thenegative electrode layer. A powder that has a high ion conductivity (forexample, 2 to 3×10⁻³ S/cm) when formed into a compact can be used asthis powder. Solid electrolyte pastes prepared by adding an organicbinder and a solvent to the glass powder and mixing and dispersing theresulting mixture are prepared as the pastes for forming the firstregion 310 and the second region 320. A powder of Li.Ni.Co.Al complexoxide (LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)O₂) having an average particlediameter of about 5 μm and having a layered structure is used as thepositive electrode active material. A positive electrode layer pastecomposed of a mixture containing this active material and the glasspowder described above is prepared in the same manner. A powder ofnatural graphite having an average particle diameter of about 10 μm isused as the negative electrode active material. A negative electrodelayer paste composed of a mixture containing this active material andthe glass powder described above is prepared in the same manner.

Next, copper foils having a thickness of about 30 μm to be used as thepositive electrode current collector and the negative electrode currentcollector are prepared. The positive electrode layer paste and thenegative electrode layer paste are respectively screen-printed ontosurfaces of the copper foils while respectively drawing predeterminedpatterns so that the thickness of the paste applied is about 50 to 100μm. When dried at 80 to 130° C., the thickness decreases to 30 to 60 μm.In this manner, current collectors (copper foils) on which a printedbody that serves as a positive electrode layer and a printed body thatserves as a negative electrode layer are respectively formed areobtained.

Next, the solid electrolyte paste described above is printed by using ametal mask onto each of the surfaces of the current collectors on whichthe printed body that serves as a positive electrode layer and a printedand the printed body that serves as a negative electrode layer arerespectively formed, so that the thickness of the paste printed is about100 μm. Then the printed paste is dried at 80 to 130° C.

Next, these components are stacked so that the solid electrolyte layeron the positive electrode layer side and the solid electrolyte layer onthe negative electrode layer side face each other, and placed in a diehaving a rectangular outer shape. Next, an elastic sheet (70 μm inthickness) having an elastic modulus of about 5×10⁶ Pa is insertedbetween a pressure die punch and the stack. Then, a pressure of 300 MPais applied for 90 seconds while heating at 50° C. As a result, amultilayer body is obtained.

Those materials which have Young's moduli (longitudinal elastic moduli)that satisfy the relationship, “solid electrolyte material (20GPa)<positive and negative electrode active materials (150 GPa)”, can beused as the solid electrolyte material, the positive electrode activematerial, and the negative electrode active material. Here, the Young'smodulus of a typical sulfide-based solid electrolyte is 10 to 30 GPa.The Young's modulus of metals and oxides is 100 to 300 GPa.

As the dried films prepared from the pastes for the solid electrolytelayer, the positive electrode layer, and the negative electrode layer,the dried films whose compaction rates between before and afterpressurizing during stacking of the layers satisfy the relationship,“solid electrolyte (about 30%)>positive and negative electrode activematerials (about 10%)” are used. The compaction properties of theprinted bodies of the pastes can be controlled through the productionprocess (for example, the design of the binder or the solvent, thedrying method, etc.). Here, at a Young's modulus of the sulfide-basedsolid electrolyte, pressure deformation also occurs; thus, thecompaction rate can be easily increased by using the sulfide-based solidelectrolyte.

As described above, when raw materials that satisfy the relationshipsregarding the elastic properties or compaction properties are used andthe raw materials are integrally pressurized by the above-describedmethod, a multilayer body that satisfies the relationship, “seconddensity (relative density: 90%)>first density (relative density: 82%)”,can be obtained. Here, the relative density means the ratio relative tothe theoretical density. In the case of the sulfide-based glass powderdescribed above, the density (theoretical value) calculated from theunit cell of the crystal structure is 2.0 g/cm³. Furthermore, thedensity and conductivity of the first region 310 are 1.64 g/cm³ and2.2×10⁻³ S/cm, respectively. Furthermore, the density and conductivityof the second region 320 are 1.8 g/cm³ and 2.5×10⁻³ S/cm, respectively.The density inside the battery can be confirmed through sectionalobservation with a SEM, for example. The conductivity can be evaluatedthrough a microproperty analyzer such as a microprobe.

The conductivity can be evaluated by preparing test samples having thesame relative density. Here, the first region 310 is the batteryoperation portion. In other words, the first region 310 is an operationregion in which an electric current flows as a result of transfer ofions during charge and discharge of the battery. Thus, the conductivityof the first region 310 is preferably as high as possible. In contrast,the second region 320 (and the third region 330) is the region that hasrelatively little involvement in the transfer of ions. Thus, therelationship, “conductivity of first region 310<conductivity of secondregion 320” may be satisfied. In this case, the effective thermalconductivity changes in similar manner according to the density orconductivity by the increase in effective area and the increase inconductive carriers, which also function as thermal conduction carriers.Thus, the relationships regarding the density and the conductivity arereflected to the thermal conductivity. Thus, when the relationship,“conductivity of first region 310<conductivity of second region 320” issatisfied, the same relationship is satisfied for the thermalconductivity also. Note that the effective conductivity and the thermalconductivity improve as the density increases (typically, the strengthalso increases). In particular, the sulfide-based solid electrolyte hasa higher elastic modulus and pressure sinterabilty than typicalinorganic materials. Thus, the density, conductivity, and strength canbe improved over a wide range by increasing the packing rate (in otherwords, the density) by applying heat and/or pressure even when a powdercompact is used.

When the first region 310 is to be formed by using a compact, therelative density may be controlled to a value equal to or higher thanthe percolation threshold at which the conductivity increases steeplyrelative to the relative density. In other words, the first density maybe equal to or higher than the percolation threshold. In this manner, anappropriate conductivity can be obtained according to the powder. At thepercolation threshold or higher, the conductivity relative to theincrease in density improves gently. Thus, in order to operate thebattery and satisfy the density relationships in the solid electrolytelayer 300, the relative density equal to or higher than the percolationthreshold is suitable. In the case of the sulfide-based glass powderdescribed above, the percolation threshold determined from thedependency of density and conductivity on pressure is at a relativedensity of about 70%. Meanwhile, the first region 310 and the secondregion 320 are formed to have relative densities of 82% and 90%,respectively.

When the compacts in the positive electrode layer, the negativeelectrode layer, and the solid electrolyte layer are pressurized, thecompaction rate of the solid electrolyte layer may be larger than thecompaction rate of the positive electrode layer and the compaction rateof the negative electrode layer. As clear from the Young's modulus andthe compaction properties, the positive electrode layer and the negativeelectrode layer are hard and sparingly compactable layers. In contrast,the second region 320 is soft and easily compactable. Thus, when anelastic body inserted between the die and the multilayer body iscompacted while being deformed by pressurizing, compaction proceedsselectively in the second region 320 rather than in the positiveelectrode layer or the negative electrode layer. In contrast, in thefirst region 310, since the positive electrode layer and the negativeelectrode layer are present under and above along the pressureapplication axis, the pressure is absorbed and lost. Thus, an attenuatedpressure is transferred to the second region 320. Thus, the secondregion 320 inevitably exhibits a lower density than the first region310. Thus, the relationship, “second density>first density”, issatisfied.

In the production method described above, the difference between thefirst density and the second density can be increased by setting thedifference in the Young's modulus or the compaction rate of theconstituent materials to be larger or by decreasing the hardness (orincreasing the thickness) of the elastic sheet, for example. Here, asillustrated in FIG. 16, a structure in which the thickness of the firstregion 310 is smaller than the thickness of the second region 320 can beobtained.

By shifting the range in which the positive electrode layer is formedfrom the range in which the negative electrode layer is formed, threeregions with different compaction properties can be formed in thepressure axis direction. As a result, a battery having the third region330 can be prepared by the above-described production method.

Note that the density relationship among the regions in the solidelectrolyte layer can be realized by the following production methods aswell as by one example of the production method described above.

That is, a paste (for example, a paste with a high solid content) havinga higher solid electrolyte material content than the paste for formingthe first region 310 can be prepared as the paste for forming the secondregion 320 (or the third region 330). Here, the density of each pastecan be adjusted by adjusting the amounts of the solid electrolytematerial and other materials (for example, a binder) contained in thepaste. These pastes with different densities may be respectively appliedto the surfaces of the current collectors by printing. Subsequently, theresulting paste layers may be pressurized by a typical parallel platerigid body to form a multilayer body (battery).

Alternatively, after the pastes are printed and dried, the second region320 (or the third region 330) may be selectively pressurized morestrongly than the first region 310. For example, a laminating pressmethod that uses a die with recesses and protrusions may be used.

Alternatively, after a high-density green sheet for the second region320 (or the third region 330) is formed by application, the portion thatwill form the first region 310 may be punched out by a punching process.Subsequently, the paste for forming the first region 310 may be charged(or printed) into the recessed part formed thereby.

In the production methods described above, the batteries indicated inthe first to seventh embodiments described above can be prepared byadjusting the positions where the first region 310, the second region320, and the third region 330 are formed.

The battery according to the present disclosure can be used as thebattery (for example, an all-solid secondary battery) used in variouselectronic devices, vehicles, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery, comprising: an electrode layer; acounter electrode layer, which is a counter electrode for the electrodelayer; and a solid electrolyte layer between the electrode layer and thecounter electrode layer, wherein: the solid electrolyte layer has afirst region containing a first solid electrolyte material and a secondregion containing a second solid electrolyte material, the first regionhas a uniform thickness, the second region is separate from the firstregion, the first region is positioned within a region where theelectrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other, withrespect to the first region, the second region is positioned on an outerperipheral edge side of the first region where the electrode layer andthe counter electrode layer face each other, and the second region is incontinuous contact with only the outer peripheral edge side of the firstregion, a second density is higher than a first density, where the firstdensity is a density of the first solid electrolyte material in thefirst region and the second density is a density of the second solidelectrolyte material in the second region, the electrode layer containsan electrode active material, the counter electrode layer contains acounter electrode active material, a density of the electrode activematerial in the electrode layer in contact with the first region and adensity of the counter electrode active material in the counterelectrode layer in contact with the first region are both lower than thefirst density, and a density of the electrode active material in theelectrode layer in contact with the second region and a density of thecounter electrode active material in the counter electrode layer incontact with the second region are both lower than the second density.2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the first region and thesecond region do not contain the electrode active material or thecounter electrode active material.
 3. The battery according to claim 1,wherein the second region surrounds the first region.
 4. The batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein: the first region includes a firstprojecting portion that projects outward from a region where theelectrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other, and thesecond region covers the first projecting portion.
 5. The batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein the second region is in contact with anend portion of the electrode layer.
 6. The battery according to claim 5,wherein the second region surrounds the electrode layer.
 7. The batteryaccording to claim 5, wherein the second region is in contact with anend portion of the counter electrode layer.
 8. The battery according toclaim 7, wherein the second region surrounds the counter electrodelayer.
 9. The battery according to claim 1, further comprising: anelectrode current collector electrically coupled to the electrode layer;and a counter electrode current collector electrically coupled to thecounter electrode layer, wherein the second region is interposed betweenthe electrode current collector and the counter electrode currentcollector and is in contact with the electrode current collector and thecounter electrode current collector.
 10. The battery according to claim9, wherein, when a distance between the electrode current collector andthe counter electrode current collector at a position in which the firstregion lies is assumed to be a first distance, and when a distancebetween the electrode current collector and the counter electrodecurrent collector at a position in which the second region lies isassumed to be a second distance, a second distance is smaller than afirst distance.
 11. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the firstsolid electrolyte material and the second solid electrolyte material arethe same material.
 12. The battery according to claim 1, wherein: thesolid electrolyte layer has a third region containing a third solidelectrolyte material, the third region is in contact with the secondregion, the second region is positioned between the first region and thethird region, and a third density is higher than the second density,where the third density is a density of the third solid electrolytematerial in the third region.
 13. The battery according to claim 12,wherein: the electrode layer contains an electrode active material, thecounter electrode layer contains a counter electrode active material, adensity of the electrode active material and a density of the counterelectrode active material in the first region are both lower than thefirst density, a density of the electrode active material and a densityof the counter electrode active material in the second region are bothlower than the second density, and a density of the electrode activematerial and a density of the counter electrode active material in thethird region are both lower than the third density.
 14. The batteryaccording to claim 13, wherein the first region, the second region, andthe third region do not contain the electrode active material or thecounter electrode active material.
 15. The battery according to claim12, wherein the third region surrounds the second region.
 16. Thebattery according to claim 12, wherein: the second region has a secondprojecting portion that projects outward from a region where theelectrode layer and the counter electrode layer face each other, and thethird region covers the second projecting portion.
 17. The batteryaccording to claim 12, wherein: a range in which the counter electrodelayer is formed is larger than a range in which the electrode layer isformed, the electrode layer is positioned within the range in which thecounter electrode layer is formed, the second region is in contact withan end portion of the electrode layer, and the third region is incontact with an end portion of the counter electrode layer.
 18. Thebattery according to claim 17, wherein: the second region surrounds theelectrode layer, and the third region surrounds the counter electrodelayer.
 19. The battery according to claim 12, further comprising: anelectrode current collector electrically coupled to the electrode layer;and a counter electrode current collector electrically coupled to thecounter electrode layer, wherein the third region is interposed betweenthe electrode current collector and the counter electrode currentcollector and is in contact with the electrode current collector and thecounter electrode current collector.
 20. The battery according to claim19, wherein: a second distance is smaller than a first distance, and athird distance is smaller than the second distance, where the firstdistance is a distance between the electrode current collector and thecounter electrode current collector at a position in which the firstregion lies, the second distance is a distance between the electrodecurrent collector and the counter electrode current collector at aposition in which the second region lies, and the third distance is adistance between the electrode current collector and the counterelectrode current collector at a position in which the third regionlies.
 21. The battery according to claim 12, wherein the first solidelectrolyte material, the second solid electrolyte material, and thethird solid electrolyte material are the same material.